Aston Villa could face a major decision over Lucas Digne after Paris Saint-Germain reportedly identified the defender as a summer target.
The European champions have been impressed by Digne’s performances for France during their run to the World Cup semi-finals.
According to the Daily Mail, Digne’s contract contains a clause which could allow him to speak to PSG if they make an offer at a specified level.
The exact figure has not been confirmed, although reports suggest it could be below £10m.
Digne signed a new Villa contract last summer, extending his stay until 2028. The agreement appeared to protect Villa from losing an important player cheaply, making the reported clause particularly significant.
Villa must weigh football value against finances
Digne remains Unai Emery’s preferred left-back despite the arrival of Ian Maatsen for a substantial fee in 2024.
The 32-year-old made 44 appearances last season and started several of Villa’s biggest Europa League matches. He has since strengthened his position by winning a starting place for France at the World Cup.
ReadAstonVilla recently examined how Digne’s extended tournament run has complicated Emery’s pre-season planning.
Selling him would reduce Villa’s wage bill and create a clearer path for Maatsen. However, a fee below £10m would appear modest for an experienced international who remains central to Emery’s team.
His departure would also remove another senior player during a summer in which Manchester United are pursuing Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana faces a lengthy injury absence.
Digne previously played for PSG between 2013 and 2016, giving the proposed move another layer of logic.
Villa are also scheduled to face PSG in the UEFA Super Cup on 12 August. Before then, they may need to decide whether the financial benefits outweigh losing Emery’s first-choice left-back.
